US20190040592A1 - Mat made of waterproof plastic material for the sub-base of synthetic turfs or pavings and the like - Google Patents

Mat made of waterproof plastic material for the sub-base of synthetic turfs or pavings and the like Download PDF

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Publication number
US20190040592A1
US20190040592A1 US16/052,310 US201816052310A US2019040592A1 US 20190040592 A1 US20190040592 A1 US 20190040592A1 US 201816052310 A US201816052310 A US 201816052310A US 2019040592 A1 US2019040592 A1 US 2019040592A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
mat
mixture
upper face
bed surface
ribs
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US16/052,310
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English (en)
Inventor
Giuseppe De Maria
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of US20190040592A1 publication Critical patent/US20190040592A1/en
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
    • E01C13/02—Foundations, e.g. with drainage or heating arrangements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
    • E01C13/08—Surfaces simulating grass ; Grass-grown sports grounds
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C3/00—Foundations for pavings
    • E01C3/006—Foundations for pavings made of prefabricated single units
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C5/00—Pavings made of prefabricated single units
    • E01C5/001—Pavings made of prefabricated single units on prefabricated supporting structures or prefabricated foundation elements except coverings made of layers of similar elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D31/00—Protective arrangements for foundations or foundation structures; Ground foundation measures for protecting the soil or the subsoil water, e.g. preventing or counteracting oil pollution
    • E02D31/02—Protective arrangements for foundations or foundation structures; Ground foundation measures for protecting the soil or the subsoil water, e.g. preventing or counteracting oil pollution against ground humidity or ground water
    • E02D31/025—Draining membranes, sheets or fabric specially adapted therefor, e.g. with dimples

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a mat made of waterproof plastic material for the sub-base of synthetic turfs or pavings and the like.
  • the disclosure relates to a mat particularly but not exclusively useful and practical for providing playing fields made of synthetic grass.
  • Synthetic grass that is applied in contexts in which, due to weather conditions, natural grass would not be able to grow, allows to play different sports even in extremely hot or cold regions. Obviously, some measures are nevertheless necessary. For example, if it used in high-rainfall contexts, correct runoff of rainwater must be ensured so as to avoid the forming of puddles or leaks of water in the ground below, which can jeopardize the use of the playing field.
  • a ground in order to be considered approved, i.e., suitable for carrying out a specific game, must comply with constraints imposed by the competent authorities (such as for example FIFA, amateur national leagues or the International rugby Board) that might require for example that the ground is capable of absorbing to some extent shocks, such as impacts, falls, the passage of players and equipment.
  • the competent authorities such as for example FIFA, amateur national leagues or the International rugby Board
  • a first example of the prior art is constituted by materials made of polyethylene foams with millings for water disposal. These materials not only require the additional installation of a sheath for waterproofing the sub-base but also show low resistance to compression and the risk of crushing in the short term with reduction of their draining ability.
  • a second example of the prior art is constituted by geocomposite materials made of polypropylene and wrapped with geotextile material. These materials, too, require the additional installation of a sheath in order to waterproof the sub-base and also show low resistance to compression and poor performance particularly in terms of shock absorption.
  • a third example of materials of the prior art comprises sheets made of polypropylene and molded by injection as grids provided with an underlying wing. These materials, besides being rigid and prone to break if subjected to loads, require an elaborate installation due to the need to fix the sheets with metal eyelets in order to avoid their movement. Moreover, in this case also it is necessary to lay a waterproofing sheath and geotextile material on the surface.
  • Another example is constituted by materials molded in polyethylene sheets that require the use of a waterproofing sheath. These materials are very expensive.
  • a last example is constituted by the use of a plurality of rubber mats, usually quadrangular and provided with ribs, which are arranged side by side so as to cover the entire surface of the playing field.
  • the aim of the present disclosure is to overcome the limitations of the background art highlighted above, providing a new mat capable of obviating the problems caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
  • the present disclosure provides a mat that is easy to deploy and at the same time ensures stability and correct alignment over time.
  • the disclosure also provides a mat that avoids unwanted accumulations of rainwater.
  • the disclosure further provides a mat that is easy to manufacture and economically competitive if compared with the prior art.
  • the disclosure also provides a synthetic turf arrangement that ensures good-level and lasting performance and an efficient draining of rainwater.
  • the present disclosure further provides a method for producing a mat portion adapted to be used as sub-base for synthetic turfs.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a mat according to the disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two portions of mats arranged side by side;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two portions of connected mats
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of the upper face of the mats of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken along the plane V, of the mats of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the lower faces of the mats of FIG. 3 connected;
  • FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the lower faces of the mats of FIG. 2 arranged side by side;
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lower face of the mats of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the plane V of the mats of FIG. 8 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a system for the production of the mat according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is a view of a playing field in which multiple mats according to the present disclosure are used.
  • the mat is adapted to be arranged between a bed surface 201 and a covering layer 202 .
  • the bed surface 201 is usually constituted by the natural ground 201 a on which generally a layer of stabilizing material 201 b is laid.
  • the covering layer 202 is constituted preferably by synthetic grass 202 c, with sand, gravel or any other type of walking or covering surface inside it.
  • the mat 10 is designed to be connected to other mats 10 ′, so as to compose a single turf for the complete covering of a preset bed surface 201 (for example for the complete covering of a football field).
  • the mat 10 comprises at least one coupling element 50 a, 50 b for mutual interconnection with other mats 10 ′.
  • the coupling element 50 a, 50 b is constituted by two concave protrusions 50 a, 50 b, which are mutually complementary, each arranged at a longitudinal end of the mat portion 10 and shaped so as to be mutually coupled, forming a waterproof engagement system.
  • the mat 10 comprises a membrane 101 which in turn comprises a lower face 12 adapted to be rested on the bed surface 201 and an upper face 11 adapted to be covered by the covering layer 202 .
  • these ribs 30 , 40 , 70 are protrusions of the membrane 101 , which protrude from the two faces 11 , 12 and form, as will be explained hereinafter, lines 30 , ridges 40 , channels 31 and receptacles 71 having shapes and dimensions that depend on the specific use for which the mat 10 is intended.
  • the mat 10 is characterized by a flexing parameter associated with the deformation of said ribs 30 , 40 , 70 . It is thus possible to set this flexing parameter, for example based on the specifications imposed by regulations for a specific playing field, by sizing conveniently the ribs 30 , 40 , 70 .
  • the mat 10 further comprises at least one expansion joint 20 adapted to compensate for the thermal deformations by deforming.
  • expansion joint 20 designates a deformable element, comprising a cavity and/or concavity, that joins two longitudinal portions ( 10 a, 10 b ) of the mat and preferably occupies the entire length of the mat 10 .
  • the expansion joint 20 is shaped like an arch with a substantially C-shaped cross-section and the cavity oriented downward (i.e., toward the bed surface 201 when the mat 10 is laid), which occupies the entire width of the mat 10 and in practice divides the mat 10 into two or more distinct longitudinal portions 10 a, 10 b mutually connected by said expansion joint 20 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • the expansion joint 20 has the characteristic of being easily deformable; in this manner, when the membrane 101 is subjected to a thermal expansion, the expansion joint 20 deforms by contracting its own cavity, allowing the two longitudinal portions 10 a, 10 b to move closer and thus preventing the overall dimensions of the mat 10 from varying.
  • the expansion joint 20 deforms, widening its own concavity, allowing the two longitudinal portions 10 a, 10 b to move apart and thus preventing the total dimensions of the mat 10 from varying.
  • the expansion joint 20 keeps the mat 10 stretched by keeping the longitudinal portions 10 a, 10 b separate. In this manner, the deployment of the mat 10 is easier and more precise.
  • connection means 50 a, 50 b for mutually connecting various mats 10 , 10 ′ made to match up during deployment, for even greater assurance of stable alignment.
  • the mat 10 can comprise further expansion joints 20 that divide the mat into a plurality of sectors 10 a, 10 b.
  • the ribs 30 , 40 , 70 form on the lower face 12 a plurality of receptacles 71 .
  • receptacle 71 is understood to reference an open sector delimited by walls 70 .
  • the receptacles 71 have a square shape, forming, on the lower face 11 , a grid with a specific spacing (i.e., the distance between the ribs 70 that constitute the walls 70 of the receptacles 71 ).
  • the ribs 30 , 40 , 70 comprise longitudinal lines 30 that form channels 31 for the horizontal draining of water.
  • the ribs 30 form, on the upper face 11 , straight walls, which are mutually parallel, extend transversely from one side to the other of the mat 10 and form between them a series of channels 30 in which water can flow.
  • the mats 10 , 10 ′ are usually arranged so as to have an appropriate inclination that facilitates the draining of water on the upper face 11 .
  • the presence of the channels 31 cause a draining of water that is uniform along all of the upper face 11 and prevents the forming of unwanted stagnations.
  • the ribs 30 , 40 , 70 also comprise transverse ridges 40 that are less high than the longitudinal lines 30 and are adapted to create accumulations of water.
  • transverse ridges 40 are perpendicular to the longitudinal lines 30 , connecting to each other said longitudinal lines 30 and forming barriers that retain a water layer on the bottom of the channels 31 .
  • this water layer contrary to the unwanted accumulations of water that the disclosure seeks to avoid, has a depth equal to the height of the transverse ridges 40 and can be thus conveniently preset so as to not interfere with the overlying covering layer 202 .
  • the transverse ridges 40 have a spacing that is equal to the spacing of the receptacles 41 , i.e., the distance between the transverse ridges 40 is equal to the distance between the walls 70 that form the receptacles 71 and each transverse ridge 40 is arranged at an underlying wall 70 .
  • the transverse ridges 40 also help to strengthen the structure of the mat 10 without jeopardizing its flexibility.
  • the longitudinal lines 30 there are one or more cuts 60 for the passage of water between at least two channels 31 .
  • the cuts 60 create passages through the longitudinal lines 30 by means of which the water can drain from one channel 31 to the other. In this manner a more even distribution of the water flow is allowed and excessive hydraulic pressures are avoided in the event of intense rainfall.
  • the mat 10 further comprises one or more holes 111 for the passage of water through the membrane 101 , i.e., for the draining of a certain quantity of water from the covering layer 202 toward the bed surface 201 .
  • this waterproof plastic material is constituted by a mixture 90 composed of 15-25% thermoplastic polymer and 75-85% rubber obtained from used tires (ELTs, end-of-life tires).
  • the mat 10 can further comprise a filter (not shown) interposed between the upper face 11 and the covering layer 202 , preferably composed of a nonwoven fabric (NWF) or needle-tufted fabric, for filtering the sand that arrives from the covering layer 202 and for protection from solar radiation.
  • a filter (not shown) interposed between the upper face 11 and the covering layer 202 , preferably composed of a nonwoven fabric (NWF) or needle-tufted fabric, for filtering the sand that arrives from the covering layer 202 and for protection from solar radiation.
  • NWF nonwoven fabric
  • thermoplastic mixture 90 exits in the plastic state from a flat head of an extruder 81 and it is then calendered by passing between two conveniently contoured rollers 82 a, 82 b.
  • calendering is a process that is performed in machines (calenders) composed of rollers with parallel axes, having an adjustable distance, which rotate at low speed; includes making the plastic material pass in the semisolid state between the pairs of rollers.
  • the method entails that the rollers 82 a, 82 b of the calender are conveniently contoured so as to give the mixture 90 the shape of the finished mat 10 , without requiring further processes.
  • the clearance between the two rollers 82 a, 82 b is approximately 0.3 mm, so as to create a strong compression on the finished part.
  • rollers 82 a, 82 b are cooled, thus causing, besides the plastic deformation, also the cooling of the mixture 90 .
  • this cooling occurs by bringing the rollers 82 a, 82 b to a temperature of approximately 7° C., so that the shrinkages of the material are minimal.
  • FIG. 11 shows an example of a playing field 500 made of synthetic grass, in which multiple mats 10 , 10 ′ according to the disclosure are used.
  • the playing field 500 shown comprises a plurality of mats 10 , 10 ′ interposed between a bed surface 201 and a covering layer 202 .
  • the bed surface 201 comprises a base of natural ground 201 a on which stabilized ground 201 b or inert recovered materials mixed with stabilizing agents are deposited.
  • the stabilized ground 201 b is hard and consolidated and is adapted to accommodate a plurality of mats 10 , 10 ′, so as to give them such an inclination as to allow horizontal draining, i.e., toward the longitudinal sides of the playing field, of water.
  • the mats 10 , 10 ′ are covered by a covering layer 202 which in this example comprises, in the following order, crushed siliceous sand 202 a, rubber granules 202 b, synthetic grass 202 c.
  • a filter of the non-woven fabric, NWF, type it is possible to insert, if advantageous, a filter of the non-woven fabric, NWF, type.
  • the turf has been presented mainly with regard to use on playing fields, it could also find other applications where the draining of water is required, such as for example in landfills, terraces, gardens as casing of tubes or also as protective layer under dry-lay pavings, road pavings, ballasts, etcetera.
  • Another advantage of the mat according to the disclosure is that it is easy to lay, ensuring at the same time stability and correct alignment over time.
  • a further advantage of the mat according to the disclosure is that it avoids unwanted accumulations of water.
  • Another advantage of the mat according to the disclosure is that it is easy to provide and economically competitive if compared with the background art.
  • a further advantage of the mat according to the disclosure is that it allows the provision of playing fields that give the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use and meet all the parameters set by regulations.
  • the materials used may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Road Paving Structures (AREA)
US16/052,310 2017-08-01 2018-08-01 Mat made of waterproof plastic material for the sub-base of synthetic turfs or pavings and the like Abandoned US20190040592A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102017000088166 2017-08-01
IT102017000088166A IT201700088166A1 (it) 2017-08-01 2017-08-01 Materassino in materiale plastico impermeabile per sottofondo di manti erbosi sintetici o pavimentazioni e simili.

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210366825A1 (en) * 2020-05-21 2021-11-25 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Vertical memory device
EP4081318A4 (en) * 2019-12-23 2024-01-17 SafePlay LLC ATHLETICS FIELD PADDING LAYER FOR WATER RETENTION AND DRAINAGE

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWM254465U (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-01-01 Ruei-Wen Chen Structure of environmentally friendly water permeable surface-layering soft mat
US7014390B1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-03-21 American Wick Drain Corporation Drainage member with expansion zones
IT1396154B1 (it) * 2009-09-23 2012-11-16 Agripool S R L A Socio Unico Pavimentazione ammortizzante e struttura composita cedevole, ad esempio per campi da gioco.
DE102010045283A1 (de) * 2010-09-14 2012-03-15 Zinco Gmbh Wasserverteileinrichtung für Dachbegrünungen
KR101285774B1 (ko) * 2010-11-15 2013-07-18 어번닉스 주식회사 배수판 및 이를 이용한 녹화조성구조물
US9353580B2 (en) * 2012-05-15 2016-05-31 Katch Kan Holdings Ltd. Pipe mat and method for using same for collecting fluids draining from drill pipe

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4081318A4 (en) * 2019-12-23 2024-01-17 SafePlay LLC ATHLETICS FIELD PADDING LAYER FOR WATER RETENTION AND DRAINAGE
US20210366825A1 (en) * 2020-05-21 2021-11-25 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Vertical memory device
US11830805B2 (en) * 2020-05-21 2023-11-28 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Vertical memory device

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IT201700088166A1 (it) 2019-02-01
EP3438345A3 (en) 2019-04-24
EP3438345A2 (en) 2019-02-06

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